Top 20 Stars You Forgot Were on Star Search

#20: Sutton Foster

Before dominating the Broadway stage, Sutton Foster competed on “Star Search” in 1990 at just 15 years old. The future Tony Award winner performed in the Teen Vocalist category, showcasing the powerful pipes that would later make her famous. Though she didn't win her episode, Foster's talent was undeniable. Within a decade, she'd land her breakthrough role as Millie Dillmount in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," earning her first Tony Award in 2002. Her career has since blossomed with starring roles in "Anything Goes," "Violet," and "The Music Man." Television audiences know her from "Bunheads" and "Younger," but it's fascinating to see those early Star Search performances where her remarkable talent was already shining brightly.

#19: Tiffany Renee Darwish

The teen pop sensation known simply as Tiffany rocked the “Star Search” stage in 1985, competing in the Teen Vocalist category at just 14 years old. With her signature red hair and powerful voice, Tiffany impressed the judges but ultimately finished in second place. This setback didn't slow her momentum. Just two years later, she released her self-titled debut album featuring the chart-topping cover "I Think We're Alone Now." Her innovative mall tour strategy turned her into a teen pop phenomenon. Though her mainstream success was relatively brief, Tiffany continued recording music and has released over ten albums throughout her career. She's also ventured into reality TV with appearances on shows like "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!"

#18: Sawyer Brown

Country music fans might be surprised to learn this Florida band got their big break on “Star Search” in 1983, competing in the Vocal Group category. The five-man group not only participated, they won the grand prize of $100,000. Their high-energy performances and lead singer Mark Miller's charismatic stage presence helped them stand out from the competition. This victory launched them directly into country music stardom with their debut single "Leona" and follow-up hit "Step That Step." The band has since released 18 studio albums and charted over 50 singles on the Billboard country charts. They represent one of “Star Search's” greatest success stories, as they managed to parlay their win into legitimate long-term stardom.

#17: Rosie O'Donnell

Years before she became the Queen of Nice, Rosie O'Donnell was hustling as a stand-up comedian on the “Star Search” stage. In 1984, she competed in the Comedy category, where her quick wit and relatable humor carried her through five consecutive wins. While she didn't take home the championship, this exposure helped launch her career. O'Donnell soon landed roles in films like "A League of Their Own" and "Sleepless in Seattle" before hosting her wildly successful daytime talk show from 1996 to 2002. The Emmy-winning "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" became known for its celebrity interviews, audience giveaways, and O'Donnell's authentic personality. She later became a controversial co-host on "The View" and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.

#16: Martin Lawrence

The legendary comedian and actor took his talents to “Star Search” in 1987, competing in the Comedy category where he demonstrated his raw talent and distinctive delivery. Though Lawrence didn't win, his performances caught industry attention. That same year, he was offered a role on the sitcom "What's Happening Now!!" which became his breakthrough. Lawrence truly cemented his stardom with his self-titled Fox sitcom “Martin.” This then led to a successful film career with leading roles in blockbusters like "Bad Boys" and “Big Momma's House.” Looking back at those “Star Search” clips, you can see the same energetic physical comedy and sharp observational humor that would go on to define his career.

#15: Norm Macdonald

The late comedy legend brought his deadpan delivery to “Star Search” in 1990, competing in the Comedy category. While Macdonald lost his episode, his unique style of humor was already evident. His dry wit and unconventional timing would soon land him a spot on "Saturday Night Live," where he became famous for anchoring Weekend Update. His fearless joke delivery, particularly about O.J. Simpson, became legendary despite allegedly contributing to his controversial firing. Macdonald went on to star in "The Norm Show," appear in numerous films, and release the acclaimed Netflix special "Hitler's Dog, Gossip, and Trickery." Though he sadly passed away in 2021 after a private battle with cancer, his influence on comedy remains immeasurable.

#14: Dave Chappelle

This groundbreaking comedian graced the “Star Search” stage in 1993 at just 19 years old. Competing in the Comedy category, Chappelle's sharp observations and laid-back delivery were already evident, though he lost to competitor Lester Barrie. This early career setback didn't deter him anyway. Chappelle soon appeared in films like "Half Baked" and “You’ve Got Mail” before creating his revolutionary Comedy Central sketch series "Chappelle's Show." The program's brilliant social commentary and fearless approach to race made it a cultural phenomenon before Chappelle famously walked away from a $50 million contract. After a hiatus, he returned to stand-up with a series of acclaimed Netflix specials that cemented his status as one of comedy's most influential voices.

#13: Backstreet Boys

Before becoming one of the bestselling boy bands of all time, this group appeared on “Star Search” in 1993. AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell performed in the Vocal Group category, demonstrating their harmonies and synchronized dance moves. While they didn’t make it to the end of the competition, they soon signed with Jive Records and conquered the global music scene. Their self-titled international debut album launched them to superstardom with hits like "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)". The group has since sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling boy band of all time.

#12: Pitbull

The appearance of Mr. Worldwide on “Star Search” is so obscure that you’d have a very hard time finding any clips online. Competing under his given name Armando Pérez, Pitbull appeared on the show in 1994 as a rapper and showcased his stellar rhyming skills. Unfortunately, he didn’t advance far in the competition. This early television exposure, however, helped plant the seeds for his future career. After years in the Miami hip-hop scene, Pitbull released his debut album "M.I.A.M.I" in 2004, featuring the hit "Culo." His career truly exploded with club anthems like “I Know You Want Me.” Known for his bilingual flows and international collaborations, Pitbull has sold over 25 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide.

#11: Usher

R&B royalty Usher competed on “Star Search” in 1991, performing in the Male Vocalist category. His smooth vocals and natural stage presence were already evident in his performance of Boyz II Men's "End of the Road," during which he held the longest sustained note by a child on the show, at 12 seconds. This television appearance helped catch the attention of L.A. Reid, leading to a record deal with LaFace Records. Usher's self-titled debut album arrived in 1994, but it was his 1997 follow-up "My Way" that established him as an R&B force. With eight Grammy Awards and over 100 million records sold worldwide, Usher has evolved from that talented “Star Search” kid into one of music's most enduring and influential performers.

#10: Drew Carey

These days, he’s probably known as one of the hosts of the game show “The Price Is Right” and of the American version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. But before that, Drew Carey starred in a sitcom about a fictionalized version of himself. What about before that? Well, he was tackling the club circuit, performing standup comedy in both his hometown of Cleveland and in L.A. And it was during this same time in the late 1980s that Carey also took a chance at stand-up comedy stardom on “Star Search!” His set, which included having a little fun with an “enhanced” tie, seemed to impress the judges as he even ended up beating the champion he was up against!

#9: Tatyana Ali

Before fans knew her as Will Smith’s cousin Ashley Banks, Tatyana Ali was attempting to make a name for herself as a child actress. Her first professional gig was actually on “Sesame Street” when she was six. But that’s not the trivia you’re watching this video for. That’s right: soon after she began starring on the kids’ educational series, little Tatyana managed to earn more than one appearance on “Star Search” - and that was thanks to her multiple wins! The 7-year-old competed as a junior vocalist in the late’ 80s, and not too long after that, she would soon get her big break with 1990’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

#8: LeAnn Rimes

Before she became so “Blue,” country superstar LeAnn Rimes appeared on “Star Search” at the tender age of eight. Her impressive rendition of Marty Robbins’ 1960s classic “Don’t Worry” was enough to take her to the next competition round. Even though her time on the hit series was short-lived, Rimes went on to prove she had what it took to become an award-winning country music singer. At the 39th Grammy Awards in 1997, she became the youngest Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance winner at just 14 years old. We haven’t been able to fight the moonlight or Rimes’ vocal chops ever since.

#7: Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake was very much in sync with his Memphis, Tennessee roots while appearing on “Star Search” for the first time in the early ‘90s. Using his first and middle name (“Randall”), the future *NSYNC-er donned a cowboy hat and shimmied his way into viewers’ hearts singing Alan Jackson’s “Love’s Got A Hold On You.” Although he wasn’t able to beat his competition, there was no need to cry a river for Timberlake. Alongside fellow future superstars Britney Spears, JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling, the eventual “Bye, Bye, Bye” singer would advance to stardom on “The Mickey Mouse Club.” He would go on to become one of pop music’s biggest stars in *NSYNC - and later as a solo artist and Hollywood actor.

#6: Billy Porter

Broadway star, actor and singer Billy Porter has risen to become one of the most inspirational and accomplished celebrities in show business to date. The “Pose” star’s drive to become the best was especially clear during his turn on “Star Search” in 1992. At the time, Porter’s singing talent took him all the way to the finals round. Hitting all the right notes, the Pittsburgh native wowed audiences and as a result, Porter won a $100,000 prize. Porter could have slowed down to bask in his huge “Star Search” win. Instead, he went on to win a Tony award for his role as “Lola” in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, starred in movies and TV shows, and released his own albums.

#5: Aaliyah

Known as the “Princess of R&B,” late singer Aaliyah made an unforgettable mark in the music industry before her untimely death in 2001. She was truly one in a million, thanks to her unique tomboy chic style, hypnotic dance moves and formidable vocal skills. Aaliyah also took to the “Star Search” stage as a child, singing “My Funny Valentine.” Introduced by host Ed McMahon as having a “big voice with an even bigger dream,” Aaliyah proved that dreams can come true as she went on to become a renowned musical artist and movie star. The Grammy nominated celebrity released several chart-topping singles and had leading roles in the movies “Romeo Must Die” and “Queen of the Damned.”

#4: Alanis Morissette

It’s not ironic that Alanis Morissette landed on our list as a star you may have forgotten ever appeared on “Star Search.” The Canadian-American musician was catapulted into superstardom after the release of her third record, “Jagged Little Pill” in 1995. But you oughta know that Morissette’s resume also includes a performance on “Star Search” in 1990 that shows the singer in a much different light. With big, teased hair and quintessential early ‘90s threads, Morissette was almost unrecognizable as a bubbly pop singer. Of course she would go on to evolve into an award-winning icon who wrote relatable songs about love, heartbreak and identity. “Jagged Little Pill” also inspired the hit Tony award-winning Broadway musical of the same name.

#3: Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera came out much stronger after her stint on “Star Search” in 1990. At eight years old, her talent was undeniable as she belted out “A Sunday Kind of Love.” With a singing talent beyond her years, Aguilera went on to star alongside Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Like Spears, she too burst onto the pop music scene at the end of the ‘90s with her first album, titled “Christina Aguilera,” and chart-topping single “Genie in a Bottle.” Since releasing a slew of hit tracks, Aguilera’s scooped up a legion of industry awards, magazine covers, TV appearances and a chance to guide a new generation of stars as a judge on “The Voice.”

#2: Beyoncé

Beyoncé Knowles’ royal star power resides in all corners of the entertainment industry and her loyal followers latch onto her every word and move. Longtime Queen B fans may remember the entertainer’s achievements as a member of best selling girl group Destiny’s Child, but did you know that the same collective, formerly known as Girl’s Tyme appeared on “Star Search '' in the early ‘90s? Knowles was the leader of the hip hop/rap pack, which also included Destiny Child’s very own LaTavia Roberson and Kelly Rowland. Knowles can credit Girl’s Tyme/Destiny’s Child for giving her a platform that led to incredible fortune and celebrity as a solo artist and pop culture icon.

#1: Britney Spears

From the time she stepped into the spotlight as a kid, Britney Spears captured the imagination of music lovers. But even before she showcased her dancing, singing and acting talents on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” Spears bravely stepped onto the “Star Search” stage not once, but twice, at the age of 10. Her time on the show was a precursor to a career that would propel the Kentwood, Louisiana songstress to music industry acclaim as the “Princess of Pop.” Both Spears’ professional and personal lives took center stage once she dropped her debut album, “...Baby One More Time” at just 17 years old. The “genius,” as dubbed by notable pop producer Max Martin, continues to leave an enduring impact in entertainment and pop culture.

Which of these “Star Search” alumni was the most surprising to you? Let us know in the comments below.